Apple iPad May Cause Nickel Skin Rashes Along With Other Devices, Medical Journal Warns

The Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad, along with other devices, may be to blame for an increasing number of unexplained rashes.

Reports have surfaced recently of allergies caused by the nickel content of tablets, laptops and other devices. But a study published by the medical journal Pediatrics Monday singled out the iPad as the cause of an 11-year-old boy’s unusual case of dermatitis.

The report said the boy’s rash did not respond to steroids or antibiotics. After performing a skin test, doctors found the boy tested positive for a nickel allergy. The skin condition was later traced by doctors to the purchase in 2010 of an iPad he used daily.

Dr. Sharon Jacob, a dermatologist from Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, told the Associated Press after placing the iPad into a protective case, the boy’s condition showed improvement.

Nickel allergies have commonly been associated with items such as earrings, other jewelry and other items such as coins, zippers, eyeglasses and cell phones, the Mayo Clinic said.

Jacob told the AP nickel allergies may be rising, according to new data that revealed 25 percent of children receiving skin tests have nickel allergies. Ten years ago that figure was around 17 percent.

It’s unknown how many Apple devices contain nickel as the Cupertino, California, tech titan’s environmental reports only disclose select metals and other materials.

Jacob said doctors should take electronic devices into consideration when diagnosing and treating skin rashes.